A lab grown diamond is a real diamond, made of the same pure carbon and the same crystal structure as a mined diamond, but grown above ground in a controlled process instead of dug from the earth. This guide explains the fundamentals for Indian buyers: how lab grown diamonds are made, how they differ from simulants such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, what a 1 carat, 2 carat and 3 carat lab grown diamond costs, how certification works, and what to check before buying.
Lab grown diamonds in 8 key points:
- Material: A lab grown diamond is chemically and structurally the same as a natural diamond, with a Mohs hardness of 10.
- Methods: Two processes dominate, HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) and CVD (chemical vapor deposition).
- Not a simulant: Cubic zirconia and moissanite are different materials. A lab grown diamond is carbon, exactly like a mined diamond.
- Identification: Only gem laboratory instruments can separate lab grown from natural diamonds. The naked eye cannot.
- Price: Lucira's 1 carat class solitaire rings start from ₹48,805, and 2 carat class rings start from ₹82,117 (mounted in 14K gold).
- Certification: IGI and GIA both grade lab grown diamonds, and the report states the lab grown origin.
- Resale: Lab grown diamond prices have fallen sharply since 2020, so buy for wear and enjoyment, not as an investment.
- Buying rule: Insist on an independent certificate, a clear price breakdown and a written return policy.
What is a lab grown diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a diamond produced in a controlled technological process rather than formed naturally in the earth. Wikipedia's entry on synthetic diamonds describes lab grown diamonds as having "identical chemical and physical properties" to natural diamonds, because both are pure carbon crystallised in the same three-dimensional structure.
Lab grown diamonds are also called lab-created, man-made or synthetic diamonds. A lab grown diamond rates 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the same as a natural diamond, so a lab grown diamond ring handles daily wear the same way a mined diamond ring does. For a shorter explainer, read Lucira's What Is a Lab Grown Diamond? and Is a Lab Grown Diamond a Real Diamond?.
How are lab grown diamonds made?
Lab grown diamonds are made by growing carbon atoms into a diamond crystal around a tiny diamond seed, using either high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). After growth, the rough crystal is cut, polished, graded and set into jewellery exactly like a mined stone.
Each growth method recreates a different part of diamond physics. HPHT copies the crushing pressure of the earth's mantle, while CVD builds the crystal layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas. The table below compares the two methods using figures from Wikipedia's synthetic diamond entry.
| Feature | HPHT | CVD |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | High Pressure High Temperature | Chemical Vapor Deposition |
| Pressure | About 5 GPa (730,000 psi) | Below 27 kPa (3.9 psi) |
| Temperature | About 1,500°C (2,730°F) | About 800°C (1,470°F) |
| Growth principle | Presses carbon into a diamond crystal at mantle-like conditions | Deposits carbon from hydrocarbon gas mixed with hydrogen, which etches away non-diamond carbon |
| First successful synthesis | 16 December 1954, Tracy Hall at General Electric (announced 15 February 1955) | First reported by William Eversole in 1953, published in 1962 |
Both methods start from a diamond seed. Lucira explains that building block in What Is a Diamond Seed?, and covers the process in more depth in How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?, CVD Diamond Full Form Explained and CVD Diamond Creation.
Are lab grown diamonds real or fake?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Wikipedia's entry on diamond simulants states that "simulants are distinct from synthetic diamonds, which are actual diamonds exhibiting the same material properties as natural diamonds." Simulants such as cubic zirconia and moissanite only look similar and are made of different materials.
| Property | Lab grown diamond | Cubic zirconia | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Pure carbon (C) | Zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) | Silicon carbide (SiC) |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | About 8.3 | 8.5 to 9.25 |
| Refractive index | 2.417 | About 2.2 | 2.648 to 2.691 |
| Dispersion (fire) | 0.044 | About 0.06 | 0.104 |
| Is it a diamond? | Yes | No | No |
Because moissanite has higher dispersion than diamond, it throws more rainbow flashes and looks visibly different under bright light. Lucira compares the two in Moissanite vs Lab Diamond, and compares lab grown with mined stones in Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds.
Can you tell a lab grown diamond from a natural diamond?
No, not by eye and not with a basic diamond tester. Gem laboratories separate lab grown from natural diamonds using spectroscopy across infrared, ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths. De Beers' DiamondView instrument uses UV fluorescence to reveal trace impurities such as nitrogen and nickel, according to Wikipedia's synthetic diamond entry.
Major laboratories also laser-inscribe the report number on the stone's girdle, which links the diamond to its certificate. IGI states that its reports "clearly identify natural or lab-grown origin and document all aspects of the diamond's value-setting 4Cs." The practical way to know what a diamond is: read the certificate, not the stone.
How much does a 1 carat lab grown diamond cost in India?
At Lucira, 1 carat class lab grown diamond solitaire rings start from ₹48,805 for a 1.00 ct pear and ₹48,815 for a 1.00 ct marquise, mounted in 14K gold. A 1.31 ct round brilliant solitaire starts from ₹54,852. These are finished-ring prices, not loose-stone prices, so the figure includes the gold setting.
| Lucira ring (lab grown, 14K gold) | Centre stone | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Pear-Shaped Solitaire Ring - 1.00 cts | 1.00 ct pear | ₹48,805 |
| Solitaire Marquise Shape Diamond Engagement Ring - 1.00 Cts | 1.00 ct marquise | ₹48,815 |
| 1.31 cts Round Brilliant Solitaire Ring | 1.31 ct round brilliant | ₹54,852 |
| 1.50 Cts Oval Shape Engagement Ring with Hidden Halo Setting | 1.50 ct oval, hidden halo | ₹65,401 |
Prices above are the "from" prices listed on lucirajewelry.com on 7 October 2026. The starting price reflects the smallest ring size and varies with gold colour, ring size and the exact stone quality, so the product page always shows the final price. Lucira also lists how much a diamond ring costs in India as a wider budgeting guide.
Shop this category: Lab grown diamond engagement rings · Solitaire rings
How much does a 2 carat or 3 carat lab grown diamond cost?
A 2 carat class lab grown diamond ring at Lucira starts from ₹82,117, and a 3 carat total-weight pair of lab grown diamond studs starts from ₹105,863. Price per carat generally rises as stones get larger, because large rough crystals are harder to grow and cut cleanly, so a 3 carat stone often costs more than three times a 1 carat stone of the same quality.
| Lucira piece (lab grown, 14K gold) | Carat weight | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| 2.11 Ct Princess-Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring | 2.11 ct princess, single stone | ₹82,117 |
| 2 ct Classic Emerald Cut Solitaire Ring | 2 ct emerald cut, single stone | ₹87,310 |
| 2.80 ct Brilliant Round Six-Prong Solitaire Stud Earrings | 2.80 ct total weight, pair of studs | ₹108,109 |
| 3.00 ct Elegant Princess Cut Diamond Stud Earrings | 3.00 ct total weight, pair of studs | ₹105,863 |
| 4 Prong Round-Cut 3.00 Ct Diamond Solitaire Studs | 3.00 ct total weight, pair of studs | ₹116,421 |
Earring weights are quoted as total weight for the pair, so a 3.00 ct pair of studs holds two stones of about 1.50 ct each. A single 3 carat centre stone for a ring is a custom or made-to-order purchase at most jewellers, so confirm availability and the certificate before paying a deposit.
Shop this category: Lab grown diamond earrings · Lab grown diamond rings
What decides the price of a lab grown diamond?
Four grading factors, called the 4Cs, decide the price of a lab grown diamond: carat weight, cut, colour and clarity. For finished jewellery, the gold purity, the setting style and the certificate add to the stone price.
| Factor | What it measures | Effect on price |
|---|---|---|
| Carat | Weight. One carat equals 200 milligrams. | Largest single driver. Price rises faster than weight at larger sizes. |
| Cut | Proportions and finish, which control sparkle | A well-cut stone looks brighter and larger than a poorly cut stone of equal weight. |
| Colour | How colourless the stone is, graded D (colourless) downward | Higher colour grades cost more. |
| Clarity | Internal and surface inclusions | Cleaner stones cost more, and many flaws are invisible to the eye. |
| Shape | Round, oval, pear, marquise, princess and others | Round usually carries the highest price per carat. |
| Setting and metal | 14K gold colour, prong, halo, bezel | Adds to the finished ring price. |
Lucira breaks down each factor in the 4Cs of diamond, how carat size affects price and appearance and how to check diamond purity.
What does diamond carat mean, and how big does each carat look?
Carat is a unit of weight, not size and not purity. One carat equals 200 milligrams, and one carat divides into 100 points of 2 milligrams each. A "pure diamond carat" question is really a clarity question, because clarity, not carat, measures how clean a diamond is.
The diameters above are typical values for a well-cut round brilliant. A shallow or deep cut changes the face-up size, and fancy shapes such as oval, pear and marquise look larger than a round stone of the same weight because they spread more surface area across the finger or earlobe. Lucira's carat guide for daily wear explains which carat weight suits everyday use.
Are lab grown diamonds certified, and by whom?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are independently graded and certified. IGI states that "laboratory-grown diamonds can be independently graded and certified" and that the report "identifies the diamond's laboratory-grown origin and documents its quality characteristics using established grading standards." GIA also provides grading reports for unmounted natural and laboratory grown diamonds, covering colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.
Lucira lab grown diamond engagement rings are IGI-certified. A certificate should always show the report number, the shape, the carat weight, the colour and clarity grades, and the words "laboratory grown." Learn to read the document in How to Read Your IGI Certificate, compare the two labs in IGI vs GIA Diamond Certification and see the full certification overview in Diamond Certification.
Do lab grown diamonds hold resale value?
Lab grown diamonds hold far less resale value than their purchase price, so they should be bought for wearing, not as a store of value. Wikipedia's synthetic diamond entry reports that lab grown diamond prices had fallen by 74 percent since 2020 by early 2025, which shows how quickly production costs and prices have moved.
A fair expectation: treat a lab grown diamond like fine jewellery that gives daily enjoyment and sentimental value. Resale terms, exchange policies and buyback offers differ between jewellers, so read them in writing before you buy. Lucira covers the topic in What Is the Resale Value of Lab Grown Diamonds? and Lab Grown Diamonds Resale Value.
Are lab grown diamonds worth buying?
Lab grown diamonds are worth buying for buyers who want a real diamond at a lower price than a comparable mined diamond and who do not expect investment returns. They are a weaker choice for buyers who prioritise resale or rarity.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to think twice |
|---|---|
| Real diamond with the same hardness and sparkle as a mined diamond | Resale value is low and prices have been falling |
| Lower price for a given size and quality, so a larger stone fits the same budget | Not rare, because growers can make more stones at will |
| Independent IGI or GIA certificate states the lab grown origin | Some buyers prefer the natural origin story |
| Traceable origin, with no mining supply chain to verify | Environmental claims vary by grower and energy source |
For the sustainability question, Lucira discusses the evidence in Are Lab Grown Diamonds Eco-Friendly?, and 10 Facts About Lab Grown Diamonds lists the basics in one page.
Where should you buy lab grown diamonds in India?
Buy lab grown diamonds from a jeweller that shows an independent certificate, a transparent price breakdown and a written return policy, whether the store is in Delhi, Mumbai, Surat or online. The location matters less than the paperwork. Wikipedia reports that about 90 percent of the world's diamonds are cut and polished in Surat, which makes Surat India's diamond cutting and polishing hub.
Use the checklist below before paying for any lab grown diamond jewellery, and compare options in Lucira's list of lab grown diamond jewellery brands in India and Shopping Online for Lab Grown Diamonds.
- Ask for the IGI or GIA report number and verify it on the laboratory website.
- Check that the report states "laboratory grown" and matches the carat, colour and clarity on the invoice.
- Confirm the gold purity (14K or 18K) and the hallmark on the finished piece.
- Compare the price per carat across at least three jewellers at the same colour and clarity grade.
- Read the return, exchange and buyback terms before payment.
- Check that the diamond fits the shape you want. Pear, marquise and oval look larger than round at the same carat weight.
Shop lab grown diamond jewellery at Lucira
Browse the full range: Lab grown diamond engagement rings · Lab grown diamond earrings · Solitaire rings. Buying earrings? Start with the earring shape guide and the earring care guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are lab grown diamonds real? Yes. A lab grown diamond is a real diamond made of pure carbon, with the same crystal structure, hardness and optical properties as a mined diamond.
Can you tell the difference between a lab grown and a natural diamond? Not by eye. Gem laboratories use spectroscopic instruments to separate them, and the certificate states the origin.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds? Lab grown diamonds are generally priced below natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. The gap has widened since 2020 as production costs fell.
Are lab grown diamonds cubic zirconia? No. Cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide with a Mohs hardness of about 8.3, while a lab grown diamond is pure carbon with a Mohs hardness of 10.
Do lab grown diamonds last? Yes. A lab grown diamond rates 10 on the Mohs scale, so it resists scratching as well as a natural diamond. The metal setting and prongs need routine checks like any fine jewellery.
Does GIA certify lab grown diamonds? Yes. GIA provides grading reports for unmounted natural and laboratory grown diamonds, and IGI also issues dedicated lab grown reports.
Do lab grown diamonds have resale value? Resale value is low, and prices have fallen sharply since 2020. Buy lab grown diamond jewellery to wear, and ask any jeweller about exchange or buyback terms in writing.
What is the price of a 1 carat lab grown diamond ring in India? 1 carat class lab grown diamond solitaire rings at Lucira start from ₹48,805 in 14K gold. The final price depends on shape, gold colour, ring size and stone quality.
What are lab grown diamonds called? Lab grown diamonds are also called lab-created, man-made or synthetic diamonds. All of these terms describe a real diamond grown in a controlled process.
Final thoughts: how to approach lab grown diamonds
Lab grown diamonds give buyers a real diamond at a lower price, in larger sizes, with an independent certificate that names the origin. The sound way to buy is to decide on shape and carat weight first, read the IGI or GIA report second, and compare finished-jewellery prices third. Buy for the joy of wearing the piece, and treat resale as a bonus rather than a plan.
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About this guide and sources
Written by the Lucira Jewelry team, which designs and sells lab grown diamond jewellery in 14K gold, including IGI-certified engagement rings. Prices are Lucira starting prices listed on 7 October 2026 and can change. Technical figures come from Wikipedia's entries on synthetic diamonds, diamond simulants and the carat, and certification statements come from the International Gemological Institute and the Gemological Institute of America. Surat's cutting share comes from Wikipedia's Surat entry. Typical round brilliant diameters are standard industry reference values and vary with cut.
